Guide
Health classes explained
What the rate-class labels mean and how carriers distinguish between them.
Carriers use rate class to set term premiums. Names shift between companies, but the ranking stays similar: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, then table ratings for above-standard risk. Tobacco users sit in a separate bracket at higher prices.
What underwriters look at
Body composition, blood pressure and cholesterol, family history of early heart disease or cancer, driving history, medications you take, your work and activities, and any tobacco or nicotine use. The top class requires strong results in nearly everything; Preferred is a bit more forgiving; Standard Plus and Standard accept managed conditions like controlled high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question on our quote tool maps your self-assessment to classes: Excellent becomes Preferred Plus, Very good becomes Preferred, Good becomes Standard Plus, and Average becomes Standard. Quotes use that class; underwriting confirms the real one. Uncertain? Quote two classes, compare, and let the application settle it. Inflating your health class won't reduce your final premium—it just skews the estimate.
Susman Insurance Agency can help match you with carriers whose underwriting rules favor your situation, which often matters more than the advertised rate.